Voters in Randall will be able to vote in a contested election for town chairman on April 4.
This is the third consecutive election in which incumbent Bob Stoll has been challenged by Phillip Johnson.
Each candidate was sent the same request for biographical information and a set of questions. Following are their answers:
Philip A. Johnson — Age: 59. Education: Associate of Applied Science Pikes Peak Community College, Bachelor of Science Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL. Occupation: Retired Division Chief of Training Kenosha Fire Department, Substitute Teacher with Teachers On Call serving Wilmot High School. Previous elected/appointed public office: Randall Town Supervisor 1999 – 2002, Fire Chief, Town of Randall Fire Department 1988 – 1998.
Bob Stoll — Age: 62. Education: Stevenson High School, UW Platteville, College of Lake County, Gateway Tech. Occupation: Retired business owner. Previous elected/appointed public office: Randall Plan Commission, Randall Town Board, Kenosha County Board of Adjustments.
1.) Why did you decide to run for town chairman again?
Johnson — I decided to run for town chairman again because our current chairman is selective in the items he places on the meeting agendas. Anything controversial never appears on an agenda. The residents of the Town of Randall deserve a chairman who will listen to all problems and complaints, address all issues, and act to resolve them.
Stoll — One part of this job I have always enjoyed is meeting new people and discussing what is important to them. We do not have a town administrative staff, so practically everything funnels through the Chairman. Most concerns are easily resolved, which is gratifying. I always got satisfaction from public service, whether it is the Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Town Government or County Government. Also being a tax payer as well, I would like to continue to be an influence in keeping our local tax rate one of the lowest in the county.
2.) Why are you the best choice for town chairman?
Johnson — I have been a resident of the town all of my life. I was a driving force in the development of the Randall Fire Department. I am able to make quick, educated decisions, and am able to look at all sides of a problem and come up with the best solution. I am a caring, engaged, and invested member of the community.
Stoll — I have a proven record of successful public service. Under my leadership our Town Board has been able to hold the line on spending without sacrificing services. Randall residents pay the second lowest town tax levy in Kenosha County. Second only to the Town of Paris, which levies no tax due to the Pheasant Run Land Fill fees. My broad base of experience includes land use planning and zoning, knowledge of State and local laws and financial management. (Our bond rating from Standards and Poor was recently upgraded from A- to AA) These are important and needed skills, but more importantly I have the “people skills” to find solutions, communicate clearly and resolve conflict fairly. Problems rarely present with only one solution. I believe I have an advantage over my challenger with my experience and ability to consider differing points of view and pragmatically do what is best for the majority of the Town.
3.) What will be your top priorities if elected?
Johnson — As chairman, my priorities would be updating policies, promote local businesses, protect the borders of the town, hold town board members and employees accountable, and maintain transparency throughout our town government.
Stoll — Our Town Board recently authorized a complete redesign of our web site. Some new features include on-line ordinances, downloadable forms and application, agendas, minutes from previous meetings and a dedicated section for our Fire Department. We are about 20% of the way into completion, so a lot still needs to be done. Further along, but not yet completed is a DNR mandated storm water management program known as MS4. When mandated to participate in MS4 about 1 1/2 years ago, the Town Board sought out, and received grant funding for the implementation. One of my top priorities will be to seek out grant money and explore shared services with other municipalities trying to bring as much value back to the Town of Randall.
